Two awkward teenagers - the loner and the nerd, trying to find our place in the world. Paired in wood shop, we knew nothing of each other, except that we wanted to know everything. Then one life altering moment changed it all and we were left with shattered dreams and broken hearts.

Who We Are...

Two grown men - braver and smarter than we used to be, trying to heal the damage from that irrevocable moment. Even though the past was behind us, dead and buried long ago, we found it impossible to move on without ripping open the scars of our deep wounds.

With twelve years of unanswered questions fueling our desperate need for the truth, we must figure out if who we were will destroy who we are.

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One thing this author does really well is present characters that have depth and can trigger an emotional response for me, either positive or negative. This time around with Who We Were is no different when it came to character depth for both Ryan and Quinn, though this time around my responses included irritation. The angst level was also pretty high through most of the story which for me became a bit frustrating after a while.

I liked the setup during the first part of the story when they were in high school, and that they were able to form a friendship first. I was disturbed by the relationship between Ryan and his family with the discrepancy of treatment between him and his brother being so glaringly obvious, and the outright bullying from his brother. The first part gives readers a kind of in-story mini cliffhanger since we don’t know the real reason behind Ryan leaving.

It was gratifying to see how successful both Ryan and Quinn became as adults in their careers. But it was as adults where my frustration and irritation started to really seep in since though we’re told he and his family have worked through things to a point it didn’t lower the angst level at all, plus Ryan reverts to running away again after an encounter with his brother and then Quinn…a scene that is too reminiscent of what happened the first time Ryan left.

This is the first time I’ve read a book from this author that had a disjointed feel to it; to add to that, once the big reason behind Ryan’s behavior is revealed (after much to-do and blustering about it), it felt like much ado about…well, not nothing but definitely not as dire as it was made to seem. The fact that he didn’t want to share the information with Quinn left lingering doubts considering his apparent feelings for Quinn.

The epilogue was an angst-free zone, and does show how happy Ryan and Quinn are in the end, though for me it didn’t quite balance out the overwhelmingly high angst level of the rest of the story and the levels of irritation and frustration that had built up during the rest of the book.

Who We Were is getting 3.5 stars from me, it’s one of those stories that had me sitting on the fence for the majority of the read and feeling not quite whole once I was done reading (I really can’t elaborate more without spoilers). It’s definitely for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

Ms. Collins has written us another deeply emotional read. I admit to ignoring life and flipping through page after page. The anger and loss of these characters is soul wrenching and you find yourself wanting to console one minute and angry the next.

The time span of this story is certainly needed to understand the dynamics of two teen boys that are complete opposites that are thrown together for a high school project. Not only do they end up friends but they help each other to figure out who they really are. What their desires are, where they want to go with their future. But just as Ryan is beginning to make his plans, his parents slap him with another secret causing him to run.

Quinn has managed to hide his pain deep and somehow moved forward the only way he knew how. Now he finds himself forced with seeing Ryan again and bringing back all those feelings and heartache. Is it possible for a second chance? Will their fears just end up causing them more pain. Can Ryan find what he needs to repair his heart and soul so he can truly live life with love and happiness? Or has the last twelve years been too long and created too distance?

Quinn and Ryan meet in high school when they are learning about their sexuality. Chemistry is instant and it’s confirmed that the two are attracted to each other. Ryan has a difficult life at home with parents who don’t care enough and an abusive twin brother. Quinn comes from a stable family that surrounds him with love and support.

My heart hurt for Ryan - his brother was put on a pedestal while he was ignored. A big secret is revealed by his parents which is the last straw for Ryan. He decides to run away from home to rebuild his life.

Quinn’s heart is shattered when Ryan leaves. 12 years pass and the two reconnect. They still love each other as much as they did in high school - Quinn has always been Ryan’s safe place and Ryan still feels that way. Quinn is willing to put everything on the line for a second chance with Ryan.

Although this book was a bit predictable and lacked a lot of drama, I still enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a good second chance romance, give this book a try.

It's no surprise to anyone that I absolutely loved Melissa Collins' newest M/M romance Who We Were. Melissa Collins has created an emotional and beautiful love story. A love that won't give up and never fades. A story about accepting who you are and the things you can't change. A story about forgiveness and personal growth. A story about taking care of yourself and loving yourself before being able to fully love another. Who We Were was perfect and I am already anticipating Melissa Collins next book.

This was beautiful and touching. And had AL the feels and angst! I loved reading about these two when they were young and not yet fully formed. It’s always helpful to me to read about the “before “ if your making the story about what made them come back together. It was hot and sweet all at the same time. I never miss a Melissa Collins story. Thank you for the privilege of an ARC. I’d freely do it again and again.